KNKT Warns of the Dangers of Improper Electrical Modifications in Trucks

KatadataOTO – Accidents involving large vehicles like trucks still frequently occur in the country and are a cause for concern. Besides overloading, modifications to some components like horns seem simple but are dangerous.

According to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), modifying trucks is not actually prohibited. But the installation method needs attention.

“We find this not only in Pertamina's (fleet), but most often in buses, trucks, and public minivans. They use installation processes that do not comply with standards,” said Ahmad Wildan, a Senior Investigator at KNKT in Tangerang some time ago.

With installations that do not follow standards, there is a potential for arcing or short circuits. This increases the risk of vehicle fires.

Photo : KatadataOTO

He urges truck inspectors and company bus fleets to conduct checks related to these electrical modifications.

The hope is to minimize the potential for vehicle fires that could cause many casualties.

Then there are the horn modifications popular among bus drivers. KNKT emphasizes that owners need to pay attention to the installation process.

“The ‘telolet’ horn is actually not a problem, as long as it uses a separate air tank, don't use the tank for the braking system,” said Ahmad.

He emphasized the danger of using the same tank for braking and the horn. If the horn installation leaks, the brakes can also be affected.

Furthermore, there are still large vehicle users who modify their horns without following automotive standards because it is considered practical, even though an installation error can have fatal consequences.

“The danger is not the horn itself. The danger is that it (the horn) takes its air power source from the brake tank,” said Ahmad.

According to him, owners should use a separate air tank to supply power for the horn. So it is not integrated with the brakes.

Photo : Antara

Therefore, if unwanted things like leaks occur, the brake function will not be disturbed and can work optimally.

Unfortunately, Ahmad highlighted that his party has difficulty monitoring truck modifications in fleets belonging to small companies.

“If it's companies like Pertamina, Waskita, and so on, it's easy. Once you get to those companies (outside the large ones), how do you do it?” Ahmad expressed.